Maintaining You Guitar - Hobbies

Here are some tips on how to make sure your acoustic guitar stays in tip top shape for as long as possible.

1. Before buying a guitar, test it. This will already give you an idea on the condition of the guitar. Check the aesthetics. Make sure there are no scratches, paint is well done, etc. These are indication on how the guitar was transported and could very well affect the overall quality. Play it and make sure that frets are filled down, truss rods are set up properly. I would recommend you buy from guitar shops or music shops as they are more likely better trained in handling guitar.

2. When you play it, test it in open note. It shouldn't buzz. If it does, move on to the next option.

3. Use a tuner and tune each string. Make sure that it has the correct intonation. To do this, test the string in open note and test it on the twelfth fret. They should be the same note. 4. If they are not the same, you have to adjust the intonation and I advise that you get a real guitar technician to do this. They will have to adjust the bridge. Only an professional can do this.

5. The fret buzz is next. Don't you just hate that? Fret buzz is a result of having the strings too low or the truss is not properly done. There some things you can do about this. o You can use an amp as pick ups does not usually pick up a buzz.o Playing softly may also eliminate the buzz. This will, however, make strumming hard. o Use a thicker string. It's just a little harder to play but the sound it emits is better anyway. o Worst case scenario, adjust the truss rod. Get a guitar tech to do this.

6. Polish your guitar regularly. Make sure you wipe off skin grease before you store it.

7. Retune it regularly, at least once a day. Preferably before and after you play.

8. Restring it once a month if you are not playing professionally.

9. Keep it at room temperature. Keeping it very hot places will affect the sound. Remember it is still made up of wood.

10. Play it. Play it regularly. Nothing is worse than a guitar left alone.

Griffbretter Gitarre